Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, Jan 4: The 23rd Kannada Literary Conference of Bantwal taluk, organised by the Dakshina Kannada district Kannada Sahitya Parishad in collaboration with the Manchi-Kolladu Government High School Senior Students’ Association, was inaugurated on Saturday, January 4, in the evening at the B V Karanth Hall.
The two-day event, which began with the lighting of the lamp by Dr Nagaveni Manchi, a prominent Kannada writer and professor, emphasised literature’s power to foster community well-being and intellectual growth.
In her address, Dr Manchi highlighted how literature can strengthen collective harmony and societal values, calling on schools to lead the way in nurturing these ideals. She reflected on her own educational experiences, noting the profound impact of literary giants like Kannada Pandit A P Timmayya and classical poets such as Pampa and Muddanna. She also expressed concern over the shift in modern literature, which has become limited to superficial online interactions like "likes" and "shares," urging for a return to writing that promotes humaneness, love, and societal health.
The conference also featured the release of three new books. Muliya Shankar Bhatt, the conference president, underscored Bantwal’s role as a cultural and literary leader. Other key attendees included Dr M P Srinath, president of the district Kannada Sahitya Parishat, and several distinguished guests from the educational and cultural fields.
The event began with an energetic procession, featuring a school band, traditional dances, and local scouts, before moving to the conference hall. Following the inaugural session, a Yakshagana performance entertained the audience, offering a taste of local cultural traditions.
On January 5, the conference will continue with poetry readings, discussions, cultural performances, and awards, concluding with a grand closing ceremony.
Dr Nagaveni Manchi raised concerns about the modern trend of reducing literature to simple online actions like "liking" and "sharing," urging that true literature must nurture human values and contribute to societal well-being. She called for a deeper, more meaningful engagement with literary works to preserve their transformative power.
'Literary meets key to realising brighter Kannada future'
Literature conferences play a pivotal role in turning the dream of a bright future for Kannada, as envisioned by our past writers, into reality. For this, Kannada must be alive not only in the public sphere but also in the private one, becoming an integral part of our lives," said Mullya Shankar Bhat, the president of the 23rd Kannada Literary Conference of Bantwal, during his address at the B.V. Karanth Auditorium in Kadri Park on Saturday evening.
The event saw Bhat highlighting the important link between literature and culture. He emphasised that literature is the guiding light of human life and society.
"Literature serves to illuminate social life and inspire positive change. While every piece of writing aims for societal welfare, not all of it qualifies as literature. A true literary work must reflect social and cultural relevance," Bhat remarked.
He also emphasised the responsibility of all, including government bodies, to ensure that literature upholds societal values and does not harm them.
Addressing the concept of freedom, Bhat expressed concerns over its misinterpretation, stating, “Freedom should not be confused with unchecked behavior. Art forms such as poetry, drama, storytelling, and music should reflect the splendor of our culture. The media, too, plays an important role in rejuvenating and fostering literary culture."
Bhat also touched upon the significance of children's literature, emphasising that young writers should have a deep understanding of the emotional and cognitive needs of children. "To write for children, one must be constantly reading and researching. The writing should be simple yet profound, incorporating humanistic values, empathy, and curiosity, while captivating the young mind," he noted.
He lauded local children's literature writers and organisations such as the Children's literature conference for their contributions to nurturing young talent.
On the issue of language, Bhat expressed concern about the overemphasis on English in schools, which he believes is leading to a decline in the use of Kannada. "Learning any language is not wrong, but the obsession with English in both government and private schools is causing some institutions to lose their cultural essence," he said. Bhat called for a revival of Kannada through consistent practice and study to create a supportive environment for literature to thrive.
The conference also included discussions about the future of Kannada literature, with many prominent experts and local writers attending, reaffirming the need for literature to serve as a bridge between the past, present, and future.